Bacteriology. Pl. -cocci. [mod.L., f. Gr. σταφυλή bunch of grapes + κόκκος berry. A form of pus-producing bacteria composed of cocci grouped in irregular masses.
1887. Garnsey & Balfour, De Bary’s Lect. Bacteria, 168. In the others the cells separate from the rows after division, and form aggregations which Ogston has compared with a bunch of grapes, and he has expressed the resemblance by the name Staphylococcus.
1895. Pop. Sci. Monthly, Feb., 513. Organisms, such as … staphylococci.
1897. Trans. Amer. Pediatric Soc., IX. 191. A bacteriological examination … showed the staphylococcus in pure culture.
attrib. 1897. Allbutt’s Syst. Med., II. 575. It is usually distinguishable from staphylococcus pus.
1901. Osler, Princ. & Pract. Med. (ed. 4), 162. The common streptococcus and staphylococcus infection is as a rule first local.
Hence Staphylococcal, -coccic adjs., pertaining to or produced by staphylococcus.
1900. Brit. Med. Jrnl., 5 May, 72. Injections of staphylococcal toxins. Ibid. (1904), 10 Sept., 582. The pus from staphylococcic or tuberculous abscesses.
